The Wolverine was designed to be a carbine assault rifle for use as a
replacement for the AR-21. Though it had a short barrel, accuracy was improved
by the shape of the projectile - which was long and flechette-like - and
the high twist ratio of the barrel. Because of the small weight and length
of the 4.45mm caseless round, it was extremely unstable as it changed media,
causing a level of trauma consistent with much larger calibers. Furthermore, because of the steel-tipped ammunition, it was an extremely effective armor-piercing rifle round as well. To enhance the armor-piercing characteristics, in 2032 a new depleted-uranium flechette employing a more efficient propellant
was introduced. This HAPF (Heavy Armor-Piercing Flechette) ammunition was more
than capable of perforating all personal armors (including the Invid Malar
armor), and was sometimes capable even of penetrating the armor of the Invid
Scout, though its effectiveness was dubious. This new ammunition was,
however, extremely expensive, and eventually the M-35 gave way to the
Gallant as the main infantry weapon of the REF.